1999 V70-XC vibration in steering wheel at idle

Post by **Brick Head** » 02 Mar 2013, 18:38

I have a "what's wrong?" type of vibration in steering wheel at idle and while driving at low speeds. Watching from above as wife shifts between Drive/Reverse repeatedly there is about 2 inches of forward and backward play at the top motor mount. Upon inspection the rubber insert appears in good condition. I've replaced the obviously broken passenger side engine mount and the transmission torque mount. Viewing from underneath all mounts show zero movement while wifey shifts.

She runs GREAT. Tranny shifts GREAT. PS pump is quiet and recently flushed with correct green Pentosin.

Could the top mount really cause this vibration through the steering wheel? Again I have not replaced since it appears in good shape.

Or have I just answered my own question?

Thanks in advance -

Curt

Post by **rspi** » 02 Mar 2013, 19:53

Vibrations at low speeds usually mean bad mounts. Usually the front lower. What type of mounts did you install?

There is a chance that you have a blown sub-frame mount...

Post by **Brick Head** » 02 Mar 2013, 21:27

I've replaced the passenger side engine mount (behind the wheel)and the transmission torque mount link on the driver side. Can you tell much by a visual inspection or is dis-assembly required?

Post by **JRL** » 03 Mar 2013, 05:31

He asked what brand mount did you use?

Post by **Brick Head** » 03 Mar 2013, 13:11

Volvo tranny torque mount and Chinese-crap-but-in-stock passenger side mount. I should have mentioned these were replaced 3k ago during routine maintenance.

This problem has surfaced in the past 1000 miles. FYI the cheapo Chinese mount does look rock solid while the upper mount exhibits it's 2 inches of play.

Post by **rspi** » 03 Mar 2013, 18:25

The upper mount likely will not cause a lot of vibration at idle. However, if you see movement there, I'd change the mount.

There is a chance that you have a bad subframe mount. They go flat sometimes, especially under oil leaks and with the age, have someone check them out or get under there with the car on ramps or jack stands.